A state Senate bill that would allow for the construction of a veterans’ memorial at the entrance to Old Town Orcutt is on its way to the Senate Appropriations Committee.
With an 8-1 vote, Senate Bill 443, authored by Sen. Tony Strickland (R-Simi Valley), passed through the Transportation and Housing Committee on May 5. The legislation would allow the Old Town Orcutt Revitalization Association to build and maintain a monument consisting of a 60-foot American flag surrounded by five pillars, each representing a branch of the United States military.
“This bill gives a way to encourage our children to learn about veterans and the sacrifices they made, and it allows the community to come together and celebrate their bravery,” Strickland said. “It’s important that we honor those who put their lives on the line for our freedom.”
Local resident Steve LeBard, a Vietnam veteran and president of OTORA, proposed that the monument be constructed at a park-and-ride lot off U.S. Highway 101’s Clark Road exit. Caltrans denied LeBard’s application for the project on March 7, citing a policy forbidding “political expression” on the right-of-ways it maintains.
LeBard, who petitioned Strickland for the legislation, said he thought it would have a harder time in the transportation committee because the body oversees Caltrans. He said he’s pleased with the bill’s progress, but would like to see its provisions extend throughout California.
LeBard said he disagrees with Caltrans’ stance against allowing California and American flags on property it maintains.
“That’s what needs to change, and I’m working other angles to see if I can make that happen,” he said.
SB 443, co-sponsored by 33rd District Assemblyman Katcho Achadjian, will go to the Appropriations Committee on May 16 and could end up on the Senate floor as soon as the latter part of May, according to Strickland. If it’s signed into law, the bill will take effect on Jan. 1, 2012.
“I’m cautiously optimistic,” Strickland
said of the bill’s chances. “I’m hopeful that we’ll continue to get this kind of vote moving forward.”
Under terms of Strickland’s bill, no state money would be used to fund the memorial. The project would be completely privately funded. According to LeBard, OTORA has raised $10,000 for its construction.
“This memorial is very important to the Orcutt community, and I don’t think people should have to go through this much to fly the flag,” LeBard said. “It’s just ludicrous.”
This article appears in May 12-19, 2011.